FAQS
How does the Viva Phonics program teach reading?
With Viva Phonics, students learn how to read by studying letter-sound relationships. We build the habit of reading words from left to right and blending all through the word. In contrast, some of the most popular reading programs in schools are based on 3-cueing, where students are taught to use pictures, other words, or the first letter to make a guess. Have you ever witnessed your child stray from a word to figure out what it says? Good readers don’t do this!
Why does my child struggle in reading?
A child might have what researchers call a phonological core-deficit, commonly referred to as dyslexia or there may have been a breakdown in their literacy experience. There could be an issue with vision and language processing. Gaps in education and problems with focus might also contribute to having a difficult time with reading.
Will my child ever learn to read?
Almost all children can learn to read. Some students learn to read with general classroom instruction, while others require an explicit and systematic approach. Explicit involves demonstration and explanation. Systematic means that we logically build from easier to more difficult concepts.
How can I assess my child’s reading ability?
DIBELS 8TH Edition fluency measures is a recommended tool to monitor student progress. These 1-minute assessments help clearly track grade level goals. “DIBELS 8th Edition is the least invasive, and one of the most effective screening tools available. When you choose DIBELS 8th Edition as your assessment solution, you are trusting scientific evidence, research-based practices, and decades of experience in teaching and learning.”
How long will it take for my child to learn to read?
Reading is a complex learned skill and it will take time. It’s important to intervene as soon as a reading issue becomes apparent. Older students will require more time. They will have to work longer and harder to catch up to the increasing goals. Consistency and frequent practice are key in developing strong reading skills.
What about comprehension?
The best way to understand how comprehension works is to take a look at The Simple View of Reading. First, one must be able to decode-that is to be able to accurately read words. Second, one must know what words mean. Check out this 2-minute video on The Simple View of Reading.
Please send additional questions to angelica@vivaphonics.com.